Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin State Journal: "Charity, religion and public schools
00:00 am 12/15/05

The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
(DARREN HAUCK -- Associated Press file photo)

Today's issue: Should public-school students help to raise funds for the Salvation Army?

Background: Last week, Chavez Elementary School in Madison canceled a third-grade field trip to help raise money for the Salvation Army after a parent objected to having public-school students help the religious-based charitable organization. Assistant Superintendent Sue Abplanalp said Chavez staff chose the organization due to its charity work with the poor and homeless rather than for its Christian basis.

Viewpoints: Most writers say the Salvation Army helps, not harms, people.One writer applauds the parent who protested against the trip."